This past year has uprooted a lot of our daily routines and activities while highlighting the importance of self-care. While we might not be dressing as fancy or wearing false lashes as often as we used to, women are now investing time and energy into properly caring for their hair and skin.
Another upside to quarantining has been how much we’ve all embraced our unique, natural hair textures. Pre-covid it was much easier to switch up your wigs and weaves but as we are avoiding salons, trying to save money, and looking to simplify our routines, finding cute and quick natural hairstyles is key.
While some things have dramatically changed most women are still busier than ever. Between work, meetings, staying active, trying to maintain a social life, and caring for our children (who may or may not still be attending school virtually) difficult hairstyling is nearly impossible.
The good news? You can still achieve an easy and quick natural hairstyle that’s beautiful. From twist-outs and braids to defined wash-and-gos there are tons of options for your specific hair type and texture.
The trick is to arm yourself with helpful hair products, like our Black Castor Miracle Prep & Leave-In Moisture Butter and spend a bit of time practicing and perfecting your favorite hairstyle. We’re delving into the do’s and don’ts of at-home styling, the best natural hair formulas to use, and how to achieve a variety of quick natural hairstyles.
Embracing Your Natural Hair
Making the decision to transition your hair from relaxed to natural is a big deal. It takes lots of patience, effort, and time to adjust to your new ‘do, especially during those in-between months. But this journey can’t be rushed, in fact it can take up to 8 months for your hair to fully transition back to its natural state.
No matter where you are on the journey right now, congrats! It takes time to be both completely confident in your natural look and master an effective natural hair care routine and what hairstyles work best with your texture.
The most important things to remember when transitioning to natural hair is to be patient and gentle. You’ve most likely spent years fighting against your natural texture and causing damage, be patient and go slowly. This is when your hair needs the most babying. Make sure it’s getting constant moisture, proper nutrients, and the best care.
It’s also important that you work with your hair and not against it. Let your strands take the time to find their natural shape and rhythm. This means putting down the hot tools like your blow dryer and straightener, doing plenty of deep conditioning treatments, and giving yourself the time to re-discover your new hair type.
Learn more about this process here: How To Embrace & Care For Your Natural Hair Like Tracee Ellis Ross.
Benefits Of Protective Styling
Styling your hair without the use of weaves, wigs, chemical relaxers, or hot tools means there will be minimal damage to your natural hair. Therefore, this is often referred to as protective styling. Protective hairstyles also tend to lock in moisture, length, and offer protection from the elements like sun, wind, and humidity. Not to mention they give you countless options for stylish looks.
One of the best benefits your hair will get from protective styling is increased moisture retention. Natural textured hair tends to be drier and more brittle, especially type 4 hair. Protective styles help keep your hair hydrated by tucking your ends away and help you hang onto growth as you’re not pulling/yanking on strands which causes shedding.
Our Favorite Easy & Quick Natural Hairstyles
Ever find yourself scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest for natural protective hairstyle ideas and stumble across gorgeous intricate braided ‘dos? While these might make you double tap they certainly aren’t the most realistic styles for everyday. Especially if you’re new to natural hair styling.
Whether you’re a beginner or the go-to girl for natural hairstyling, everybody needs a few everyday protective hairstyles that are cute, easy to achieve, and don’t require a large budget or amount of time. Here are some of our favorite quick natural hairstyles you can DIY at-home.
Pigtail Cornrows
Achieve this adorable and on-trend look in less than 15 minutes. We love braided pigtails because they can work on every hair type, texture and most hair lengths, though we recommend you have at least shoulder length hair to get this look. To begin, part hair into two sections, generously work through a hydrating cream or oil like our African Pride 5 Essential Oils through each section. Starting at your forehead take 3 small sections and begin braiding as you would for french braids. However, be sure to cross sections underhand to make the braids pop off your head. Feed in hair as you work your way down to your ends. Repeat on the other side and voila! Once you’ve mastered this look feel free to play around with adding 2-3 cornrows on each side.
Chunky Two-Strand Twists
This edgy look is perfect for warmer weather as they help protect hair from heat and sun. Plus there’s something almost tropical about this pretty style. We also love chunky twists for those with shorter to medium length natural hair.
You can do this style on wet or dry hair but we recommend getting it a little damp for best results. Also run a thick cream like our Black Castor Miracle Prep & Leave-In Moisture Butter through the head for lasting hold and hydration.
Then divide hair all over into smaller sections that will serve as your twist. Take each section of hair, divide into 2 even sections and, after stretching them out, begin twisting from root to tip, making sure to keep sections equal and taut.
Flat Twist Updo
This feminine yet Bohemian style is one of the easiest ways to look put together. Pull your hair into this quick protective style before a meeting or date for instant chic. To achieve this style pull the back half of your hair into a high or low bun. (Personally we love a low bun for its classic elegance). Then, divide the front section into two and begin twisting back towards your bun. Secure with pins and you’re done!
Pineapple Updo
The pineapple method is an easy way to prevent your curls from getting squished and flattened underneath your head while you sleep but it also makes a fab look for daytime.
To pineapple your hair, simply flip your strands all the way towards the crown of your head and secure it into a very high ponytail on the top of your head, tie it loosely.
Wash-and-Go
Sometimes you want to keep it simple and showcase your beautiful curls in all their natural glory. Getting that perfect frizz-free, defined look however, can take some practice. We’ve perfected the #CoilyGirlMethod which includes 5 key steps for the perfect wash-and-go. Explore more about our award-winning wash day routine below.
Step 1: Detangle Unwashed Hair
Incorporating African Pride pre-shampoo into your wash day regimen helps to detangle hair, minimize breakage, and define coils. This lightweight cream moisturizes and detangles using the natural benefits of Aloe Vera and Coconut Water. Plus it conditions, protects strands, and removes tangles from natural coils; leaving hair soft and easy to manage during cleansing and styling.
Step 2: Shampoo & Condition
Maintain healthy, hydrated coils with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner duo that’s infused with moisturizing properties. The easiest way to do this? Divide your hair into sections, shampooing and conditioning each section individually.
Step 3: Hydrate Hair
The more you hydrate, the easier your future wash days will become (and the better your hair will look in between). Add a rich leave-in conditioner to ensure your curls are hydrated and manageable.
Step 4: Define Curls
Not only does this step help define each unique coil, it gives strands extra shine, and provides extra moisture (in case that leave-in conditioner wasn’t enough). Whether you’re doing a twist out, braid out, or finger coils, our Moisture Miracle Flaxseed Oil Curling Cream will provide tons of moisture and definition without all the frizz and flakes.
Step 5: Seal & Protect
Either during or after you’ve put your hair into a protective style, lock in all that good moisture and shine. Protect your coil definition with a restorative oil. African Pride’s 5 Essential Oils use a nourishing blend of essential oils, including vitamin E to replenish your hair’s natural nutrients, protect against breakage, and promote natural hair growth. Over the next few days (or weeks) your scalp and strands are going to dry out. You can repeat this step as needed between wash days to maintain your curls bounce, shine, and moisture.
The Best Products For Natural Hair Styling
We briefly mentioned above some of the ingredients and products that will help you achieve the perfect protective style. This part shouldn’t be overlooked, the products you use are almost just as important as the techniques.
To ensure non-sticky hold, hydration, definition, and a lasting fabulous hairstyle, learn more about which natural hair formulas and products are best for you.
Black Castor Miracle Prep & Leave-In Moisture Butter
This luxurious Moisture Butter is specially crafted with a blend of Black Castor Oil, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Oil to penetrate hair strands and deeply moisturize before braiding or manipulating hair into protective styles. This natural formula also helps to prepare hair for extended styles by providing long-lasting hydration. Simply distribute through damp or dry hair before styling.
Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc & Twist Gel
Before braiding or twisting, apply a small amount of this non-sticky, non-flaking gel to roots or hairline. The rich blend of Black Castor Oil and Coconut Oil smooths frizz and flyaways while boosting shine and leaving braids, locs, and twists neat and smooth.
Moisture Miracle Shea Butter & Flaxseed Oil Curling Cream
Moisturize and define your curls with this versatile curling cream that blends Shea Butter and Flaxseed Oil to provide deep moisture, lasting definition, and radiant shine. Elevate your wash-and-go with shiny, smooth, bouncy curls and coils.
Olive Miracle Braid Sheen Spray
Keep your braided styles fresh, shiny, and healthy with this miracle spray. We’ve utilized our Olive Miracle® formula for silky smooth deep conditioned hair and a healthy scalp with our African Pride® Olive Miracle® Magical Growth Sheen that restores hair’s natural beauty and boosts shine. Revitalize your dry, dull braids or twists with just a few spritz.
Black Castor Miracle Hair & Scalp Sealing Oil
Specially crafted with a unique blend of Black Castor Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Soybean Oil this luxurious selling oil locks moisture into hair strands and improves moisture retention. It also works to condition hair, soothe the scalp, calm itching, and prevent dryness. Gently massage a few drops into edges, scalp, hair, and nape for extra protection and shine.
We want to see your fabulous new hairstyles! Don’t forget to tag your quick natural hairstyles with us on social media by using the hashtag #MyAfridanPride.
